This is a recipe from a woman whose blog I used to read and enjoy. And then she just stopped. Happily, it is still on the internet.
I went to my blog to find the exact recipe, and I don't have it under "recipes". I did find it here and decided I'd post it so I could have it in my recipe list.
This is Tara's blog. The last entry was in 2010. A lot of the people whose blogs I follow commented, and if any one of you knows anything about her since that time, - like a new blog somewhere? - I'd love to know.
So, back to the recipe.
Chop up shallots, as many as you need. It will depend on how many mashed potatoes you are making.
Sauté in butter and olive oil (you choose portions of each) until well-done, even crispy.
Cook potatoes until soft, and mash with butter and salt.
Add shallots and mix in well.
Serve. Yum!
I also made guacamole from a recipe a friend gave me recently.
Put 2 avocados through food processor. This didn't make them completely smooth, but were just right.
Chop shallots very finely and add to avocados. Squeeze half a lemon and strain juice into mixture.
That's it! And it was very good. I'm not an eater of raw onions, but this was alright. Shallots aren't as sharp a taste as onions can be. But the next time, I might try sautéing them a bit. I have no idea how it would turn out, but worth a try.
I used to post to Weekend Cooking, but I haven't been allowed to in ages.
Addendum: It worked this time!
I'm not a cook...but that photo stopped me in my tracks. That's a great shot, gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I do love milkweed, in all its stages.
DeleteThose are two very classic dishes! Some purists say that guacamole should be made of nothing but avocados and (I think they say) a squeeze of lemon. But I like them with other flavors too, like yours.
ReplyDeletebest… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
May be a classic, but I had never heard of the potatoes with shallots until Tara! Amazing, huh!
DeleteThis is the first guacamole I've made myself that I liked. And I don't like the store stuff.
Both recipes are super simple - just what I like. I'll have to remember them.
ReplyDeleteI read that NH was collecting milkweed pods to sow along the highway medians for the monarchs. Did you send some to them?
Yup, simple is good!
DeleteAnd I didn't hear about that. I wish I had. Too late now, but will try and see about doing it next year. We have loads of it and it makes me so happy.
Sorry, Imdon‘t know Tara or her blog, but I always think it‘s a pity if a blogger just stops writing and the readers don‘t know what‘s going on. In a way, we become acquaintances or even friends, and we care about each other.
ReplyDeleteBoth recipes sound good, although I must admit I prefer my guacamole made by simply mashing avocado up with a fork and a pinch of salt and pepper, and no lemon juice or other ingredients. But that works really well only if it gets eaten immediately (which is usually the case when I make it).
I think I've seen it with salsa and also with tomatoes. I liked the simplicity of this, and yours is even simpler!
DeleteThere are quite a few bloggers who just stopped and their blogs are still up. And then there are sadly those who have died.
I do the same with my recipes!
ReplyDeleteYou reminded me that I have avocados that I need to use!
I haven't been that big a fan of guacamole except in good restaurants, and I am pretty happy with this. And that's good because it means I'll eat more avocados!
DeleteMy mother often used to cook potatoes with shallots but I'd completely forgotten about it till today. So thanks for reminding me of what was once a favourite of mine.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you'll make them again!
DeleteOver here we say "shall lots" with the emphasis on shall. But I heard Peppa Pig say it with the emphasis on lots. Speaking of Peppa, I've read of American kids who have picked up many of her pronunciations!
Shoot. I just got from the grocery store and now I wish I had some avocados!
ReplyDelete:<)
DeleteI'venver used shallots in mashed potatoes, I'm going to try it.
ReplyDeleteQuite sure you will love 'em!
DeleteI love shallots but have never used them in mashed potatoes so will try that. I've made all kinds of guacamole but lately have gone to just S & P and lemon juice, in fact it's for supper tonight with leftover potato salad. I hate store bought guac too! Whole Foods fresh made is fairly good with the addition of lemon juice. It's been so long since I've eaten at any restaurant, much less a nice one, that I can't remember if I liked the guacamole!
ReplyDeleteI haven't either. LIterally years, though a lot of people are going. There are a lot of people flying and staying in hotels, too, but I can't imagine it. You and I have been kind of alike in this whole virus time with just staying home. I still only go to one store. This summer there was a tiny time when they were saying sure take off your masks in stores if you've been vaccinated,and we went out one day with the little ones. They kept their masks and ours were off. We went to a book/toystore and a candy store. In a blink of an eye, they were saying put those masks back on, and that was that. I haven't felt isolated. I still see my kids and grandkids. They are my social life!
DeleteI can eat avocados only infrequently. I will make this guacamole again, but prob not that often.
The potato with shallots sounds good.
ReplyDeleteI was just looking at the list of bloggers on Tara's blog. So many familiar names that aren't around anymore.
It is always bittersweet for me to go back to blogs which aren't being written anymore.
DeleteI like the sound of those potatoes. I wonder if I could do the same thing with just a bit of onion? I will try it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for leaving a comment on my blog, Nan! I don't know if you saw my reply but I was very happy to see you quote a line from "My Back Pages". It was written by Bob Dylan but was a hit for The Byrds. My son sings it on his Sound Cloud Page. If you look at my blog from Jan. 12th, I have a link to it on that post. Christopher is singing on those songs and he is also doing background vocals and playing the instruments! Let me know if you have a listen, dear Nan.
Do you like onions, but not shallots. I think the latter have a sweetness.
DeleteI remember that post in January. I haven't been commenting much or even reading much but I do check in with my old friends when I have the energy/time/emotional state whatever it is. I've been like the old Nike ad - "just doing it" for a while. It does me so much good to have these blog connections.
Hey Nan! Like you, I don't like raw onions but I love them cooked, as long as they're not too strong. Ive had such a rough time trying to get anything done this year, my time on my blog has been very limited. So, I was so pleased to see your comment on my blog! I love your writing and all that you share. Peace always!
DeleteThank you, my longtime blogging friend. Rough time is so true. There are no words and too many at the same time about this time.
DeleteNan, I made the potatoes! How can something be so good! I made mine with a few spring onions that were very mild. You have inspired me to try this with shallots. I've never bought them in my life but there's always a first time! Let's get some, shall we? Haha!
DeleteI'm happy you liked your dish!! If you ever try shallots, come let me know what you thought!
DeleteI probably make guacamole once a week. I've always loved it. I make mine with mashed avocados, a squeeze of lemon juice (although my sister-in-law says lime juice is better), some salt & pepper and occasionally a little garlic powder. Sometimes I'll dice up some tomato and throw it in, but I never add onion. Or cilantro. Also, I'd rather go without than buy guacamole from a grocery store. Blech.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many bloggers who I used to follow who are no longer posting. It really makes me sad, but I know it's not for everyone. I can hardly believe I've been blogging for all these years.
There are probably many reasons for someone to give up a blog. Geez, I even did it myself for those few months. I understand now why - but I didn't then. It was all that time of Tom's father and his Alzheimer's. Such a stress, as you know from all my emails then!
DeleteI might try mine next time without the shallots. Just the avocado and lemon juice. We'll see. It isn't a big food craving in my life. Ha! (Kay)